North Tawton 38

Dartmouth 19

DARTMOUTH had only 13 men due to a car break-down on the way.

Unable to 'lend' players in the league North Tawton took the field and were almost immediately rewarded with a Captain's try by Martin Hann following a rolling maul. It was converted by outside half Joe Fewings.

Following good set play the ball was spun wide for winger Zak Matravers to take a good crash ball to score under the post converted by Joe Fewings.

Then it was Jamie Hoggins turn in the centre to save an almost identical try. Taking the ball on the bust he crashed over for a score which again Joe Fewings added a couple of penalties and it looked as if North Tawton were running away with the game. However, Dartmouth came back with a converted try and penalty to leave the score at the break, 27 – 10 to the home side.

The second half was to prove a different story. Older heads in the Dartmouth side began to play an excellent game of spoiling rugby. They cashed in on this using the magnificent boot of Matt Putt who could slot penalties from anywhere.

The game was evened up in score as well as a contest, but despite Dartmouth's spirited come-back it was left to vice-captain Paul Turner to crash over for his first league try.

This plus another conversion and penalty by Joe Fewings saw Tawton run out winners with a scoreline that flattered to deceive.

Cullompton II 53

North Tawton II 12

IN this North Devon merit table fixture a much depleted North Tawton took the field with three Cullompton players and were still only 14 players against an experienced Cullompton 15.

Cullompton slowly took North Tawton apart and built a convincing lead.

North Tawton's only reply was a push over try from a maul and they turned at half-time 43 – 5 down.

But showing great spirit and resolve North Tawton fought back spoiling at every chance and counter attacking with every opportunity.

They were awarded a score when Richard Lethbridge broke from the back of the line-out for a try converted by Michael Denis.

With Andy Pyle in grand form at No.8, North Tawton looked to haul back, but two more unconverted tries by Cullompton let them run out winners.

l North Tawton are away to Marjons in league this Saturday while the 2nds entertain Oldfields Torrington, kick-off 2.30 pm.